Journalismiziko

GABIGABI HIGH CHAMPIONS OF SCHOOLS CHALLENGE

By: Nhlanhla Ndlovu
Gabigabi High School were crowned champions in the inaugural Rainbow Schools Challenge after defeating Skhethuxolo High School by 1-0 at Mpumalanga Stadium.

Skhethuxolo dominated the whole game but failed to capitalise from all the chances they created. Siyanda Zungu of Gabigabi broke the deadlock and scored the only goal of the game.

GabiGabi coach, Bongani Gumede, said he was happy with the concept of the tournament as it helps to showcase young talent and discovers new one and was also very impressed with his team’s performance.

“They were overpowering us, but I told my players that let’s stick to their weakness which is their defence,” said Gumede after the game. “With AmaZulu being co-sponsors of the tournament, I will now work harder to produce future Usuthu players,” he concluded.

Nkosikhona Khomo of Skhethuxolo was the first player to test the opposition goals but his long range shot from a tight angle went across the goals.

Thembelani Ntombela was offensive in the middle of the field showcasing his dribbling skills, keeping the fans on their feet. One of the golden chances for Skhethuxolo came from a hard low square from Samkelo Mthethwa but it did not reach anyone inside the 18-yard area.

Khomo got another chance after an individual effort from his teammate Musa Zwane but he missed the target.

Gabigabi’s defence continued to struggle trying to stop Skhethuxolo’s attack but they were solid and consistent enough to keep the score level in the start of the second half. Gabigabi made two substitutions in the second half trying to strengthen their squad and to gain possession. One of the substitutes, Zimisele Mbanjwa, brought life to Gabigabi’s attack but he wasted the opportunity after beating three defenders of Skhethuxolo. In the dying minutes of the game, Mbanjwa played a perfect square pass to get Zungu who played a low shot, pass goalkeeper to net the winning goal.

Gabigabi won R10 000. Their goalkeeper was named the goalkeeper of the tournament and Siyanda Luthuli of Gabigabi was named the midfielder of the tournament, both getting R150 of Rainbow Chicken vouchers.